parents like victor mendoza looked at the flier. it's something he was apprehensive about. >> i don't know how i would deal wit. especially if it was at my son's school. >> if we keep them informed and we are informed, we just have to pray and help for the best. >> reporter: oakland unified school district has a staff of dozens of child psychologists and counselors they are available whenever violence strikes in oakland. >> we do have a certain level of readiness that we've acquired just because of the climate and the situations we're required to grapple with. >> reporter: now the counseling staff is on stand by to help children deal with the tragedy. >> because of the youth of the victims and the tragedy of death. >> reporter: before parents speak to their kids they need to assess their feelings first. >> to think through what you feel so you don't scare your kids. >> reporter: let your kids ask questions but above all reassure them. >> make sure that kids know that the adults around are looking out for them. ready to help them bot